“Our model allows groomers to slow down, focus, and do artistry rather than assembly-line work,” Flint explains. “And we’re transparent—open windows, visible grooming stations, two-way communication between pet parents and groomers—we want clients to see the care that goes into each service.

“The ‘secret ingredient’ isn’t the shampoo; it’s the culture of respect between groomer, dog, and owner,” he adds.

While the idea for the business originated in 2015, Flint and Jeff didn’t open a physical location until 2018, allowing them a few years of preparation and learning before they felt confident that they had created something special. And in the early days, customers were found through grassroots efforts such as local word-of-mouth, dog parks and adoption events.

“We told our story one handshake at a time,” shares Flint. “Today, our best marketing is still our team. When groomers love where they work, that energy radiates out.

“We’ve grown through authenticity,” he continues, “sharing stories of our staff, spotlighting their creativity, and celebrating their milestones, such as winning ‘Best Dog Grooming in Austin’ year after year.”

Over the last seven years, Barkin’ Creek, which now includes four locations in Austin, Texas, has evolved in every possible way, with the biggest growth being cultural.

“In the beginning, we focused on refining our techniques and our client experience,” Flint recounts. “As we matured, we realized that the real foundation of quality is the people behind the scissors and dryers. So, we’ve invested heavily in ergonomics, safety equipment, and scheduling systems that prevent burnout.

“Our approach now is about sustainable, long-term craftsmanship—giving professionals the space, tools, and respect to do their best work,” he adds.

The business’s appointment-only system allows the team, which Flint refers to as “the heart of Barkin’ Creek,” to work in rhythm, not chaos, therefore creating consistency and reducing physical and mental fatigue.

“Our grooming team is made up of highly trained, passionate professionals, and our job as owners is to support them, protect them, and pay them fairly for their skill,” he notes. “We recruit people who love what they do, then we make sure they can build a career doing it. That means steady pay, reliable hours, access to benefits, ongoing education, and a supportive team culture”

Many of Barkin’ Creek’s groomers have been with the business for years because they feel safe, respected and valued.

“I tell every new hire the same thing: ‘If you take care of our clients’ dogs, we’ll take care of you,’ and we mean it,” Flint states. “Continuous education is a non-negotiable for us. We sponsor certifications, help send groomers to national competitions, and bring in industry educators for workshops.”

In addition to collaborating with other grooming professionals and schools, Barkin’ Creek hosts internal training days focused on product knowledge and client communication.

“We pay groomers for training time because learning is work, and valuable work at that,” explains Flint. “We also have cross-location mentoring programs, where senior groomers coach newer ones. The goal is to create a learning culture that fuels pride, not competition.”

Just as important as the care of the groomers at Barkin’ Creek is the safety and wellbeing of the dogs.

“A stressed groomer can’t calm a stressed dog, so we build systems that protect both sides of the table,” Flint says. “We use Fear Free handling techniques, quiet tools, and ergonomic workstations. We train groomers to read canine body language—but we also train managers to read human body language; if a groomer is overwhelmed, we intervene with support or time off.”

Additionally, Barkin’ Creek uses high-quality, skin-safe products and safe dryers to protect both pet and professional.

“Every decision we make—from our flooring to our lighting—is designed to create comfort, calm, and confidence for everyone in the room,” Flint notes. “Every dog deserves empathy and proper care.

“It is critical that our groomers have a complete picture of each dog’s behavior and health before handling them,” he continues. “Our intake process gathers detailed information about medical, emotional, or behavioral concerns prior to the start of each groom.”

For anxious dogs, the groomers slow down, use positive reinforcement and never force. For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, they customize products and coordinate with veterinarians.

“We also give groomers the authority to say, ‘This dog needs a break,’ or ‘Let’s do this in two sessions,’” adds Flint. “That trust empowers them to make humane choices that keep both parties safe and comfortable.”

Inspired by Flint and Jeff’s two rescue dogs, who each suffered from dietary and health issues that created the need for specialized foods, Barkin’ Creek also created their own dog food rather than relying on commercial options.

“Our journey with our dogs, Bea and Jax, taught us that health starts from the inside,” Flint explains. “But it also showed us that groomers often see the first signs of nutritional issues—dull coats, flaky skin, shedding, allergies.”

Barkin’ Creek Dog Kitchen is not just for pet owners, but for groomers, as it gives them a healthier canvas to work on with dogs with better skin, softer coats and fewer irritations.

“They’re made the way we cook for ourselves—small batch, human-grade ingredients, no preservatives and no shortcuts; it’s farm-to-table but for your pet,” shares Flint. “The same trucks that deliver to your grocery stores or favorite restaurants deliver to our in-store kitchen in Austin. We don’t cut corners on our fish, meats, fruits, or vegetables. Period.”

Flint and Jeff believe education is empowerment, so their staff—including groomers—are trained to have informed, respectful conversations about nutrition and coat health.

“When a client hears a nutrition tip from the person who bathes and brushes their dog every month, it carries real weight,” Flint explains. “We want our clients to see groomers as part of their dog’s wellness team—not just stylists, but trusted professionals.

“Cleaner eating means a healthier, longer life,” he continues. “And we want—and need—every minute to last with our dogs, so why not feed them the best?”

If there’s one message Flint wants to get across to the grooming community, it’s that they shouldn’t think of themselves as service workers, but as animal care professionals.

“At Barkin’ Creek, we build everything—from our pay structure to our equipment choices—around that truth,” he says. “Groomers deserve safety, respect, education, and joy in their craft.

“We’ve built Barkin’ Creek to prove that a business can be profitable, compassionate, and professional all at once. And if our example inspires even one other shop to invest more in their team, that’s a win for the entire industry,” concludes Flint.